Tag: beauty haul

HAUL IT Feat. Lime Crime
If I could only use one liquid lipstick brand for life, it would be Lime Crime.

They are, in my opinion, one of the originators of the velvet/matte liquid lipstick. Their products are super pigmented, super smooth, super long lasting – and bonus for those who care, super vegan.

I made the decision to purchase their first ever Red Velvet Velvetines a few years ago and have been hooked ever since.

So when the email alerts roll in, and their sale season starts… and bae has an American credit card,

it is my duty, as a slight makeup junkie, to place an order.

This haul is all about the mauves and nudes.

While I’m mainly a pinks and peaches kind of girl, I noticed I didn’t have a variety of mauves or nudes for an everyday look. So I figured it was time to expand and add to my collection, naturally.

And if there is ever a liquid lipstick makeup brand that I swear by, it’s definitely Lime Crime.

Now, because prices are in $USD, I wait for a sale or promotion with free shipping to get my money’s worth. And at $20 USD each, it’s not too bad of a price when they go on sale for $10-$15 USD.
Especially when compared to some of the other makeup brands I buy at Sephora that retail at $32 CAD! Like why you so expensive?

I never go too crazy with my order, but I always like to get a little extra bang for my buck when they have up to 50% off.

So this time I decided to try some of their other lip products as well.
I picked up their Velvetines Lip Liners, Plushies and a Wet Cherry Lip Gloss.

And it’s official – I’m even more in love than before!
😍😍😍

I like the idea of the Plushies because it dries a little more sheer. It’s not complete full coverage like the Velvetines, but it’s just as pigmented. And it gives you soft pout like you just dabbed some colour on your lips with your finger.

I hate being too repetitive, but Lime Crime is so consistent with their products, that their Velvetines Lip Liners are also amazing. Goes on smooth and of course, super pigmented.

And I’m always skeptical about lip glosses because of their lack of colour, but this Wet Cherry gloss does not disappoint! It also has a nice pigment and definitely smells like cherries 🍒

So check out my haul below!

And note – the colours may all look the same to the naked eye, but I swear they swatch differently! At least to my eyes 😉 and a makeup junkies eyes.

xo

Stephanie
- L to R: Riot, Sasha & Elle
- L to R: Chiffon, Cake & Angel
Top to Bottom: Angel, Chiffon & Cake
- L to R: Turkish Delight & Milk Tea
- Top to Bottom: Milk Tea & Turkish Delight
- Naked Cherry
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Check out my previous posts below
September 1, 2019
Seaonal Stress: How to beat it, but not really… ft. Saje Natural Wellness

It’s that time of year again!

For some it’s the holly, jolliest of months. The most wonderful time of the year. Magic is in the air. The Hallmark feel good movies are on – you should be well onto your 20th one by now. And every night is spent by the fireplace, snugged under a blanket. You’re with your loved one, sipping hot cocoa waiting for St. Nick to come.

And then there’s the reality for the rest of us.

Where it’s pretty much the worst season of all.

You want to develop a loathe for the holidays? Then work in retail for December.
The once a year shoppers come out and really make you question humanity sometimes. That could be a whole other post on its own…

But enough about that!

We’re here to talk about stress relief for the holiday season.

So here are some ways you can beat the stress, but not really… because this is pretty much me showing you some goodies I got at Saje Natural Wellness.

Now let’s get started!

Body Mists

Refresh (Energizing Mist)
I’m not much of a morning person. So I like the idea of this body mist since it can be a complete drag getting up early and ready for work sometimes – especially in the cold months where the mornings are hella dark!

This mist can especially come in handy the morning after your work Holiday Party. Maybe you had one too many tequilas with your coworker Jan and aren’t feeling so hot the next morning. Or, maybe you could use a spritz because you’re working overtime and are gonna need some positive vibes to take on all the nasty clients or customers.

I got Refresh as a little pick me up to get myself in a positive mood before I head out the door. One spritz on my face, the cool mist awakens my senses and I’m ready to go.

And it’s not overpowering like when you accidentally spray perfume on your face. It’s just a light scent to give you that quick boost of energy to take on the day.

Refresh – Energizing Mist

Unwind (Anti-Stress Mist)
This body mist I got for the total opposite reason. After coming home from a busy day – whether it be work, running errands or just facing the crowds or people while you Christmas shop – I need a little quiet time to help my mind relax before I carry on what I need to do at home.

So I got Unwind to help me do exactly that – unwind.

I’m not usually one for lavender, but I know it’s a recommended scent when it comes to relaxing.

And this mist gives me just that hint of lavender I need to shut out the world and slow my mind.

A one-two spritz and a 10 second count as I close my eyes, helps me to forget about all the negative Nancys I may have come across during my shift.

As they say, keep calm and carry on.

Unwind – Anti-Stress Mist

Breath Freshener

Kiss Mist (Zesty Breath Freshener)
With the holidays in full swing, almost anything can trigger stress. Even the littlest things like having a tuna sandwich for lunch and then having a one-on-one meeting with your boss. Or, maybe Carl borrowed your favourite pen without your permission and next thing you know, you’re yelling at him after eating a herb and garlic bagel spread – Dammit Carl!

Whatever the case may be, this a very social season and you may find yourself more often than not, getting a little up close and personal with coworkers, clients and customers.

And especially during this time of year, the surprise luncheons and delectable treats can find their ways into your mouth. So, to save myself from unsuspecting stank breath as I face customers, I thought this Kiss Mist would come in handy.

It’s small enough to fit in my purse, so when I find myself munching on snacks throughout the day I need not worry!

This mix of mint and fennel are a definite refresher – Bye bye tuna breath! So long garlic whore!

Kiss Mist – Zesty Breath Freshener

Diffuser Blend Collection

Peaceful
I’ve gotten used to having a diffuser in the bedroom due to bae’s seasonal allergies. We’ve used a few different blends, but wanted to try Peaceful to stay zen as we sleep – and so far we’re pretty happy with 3/4 the scents. Yoga is delish!

Saje has a few blend collection options, but just the names alone convinced us to choose this kit.

I didn’t find the benefit in having a diffuser for myself, since I’m not really prone to congestion like bae is, but I’m all about aromatherapy.

And having a pleasant aroma while your rest is a huge stress relief for me. It just triggers my mind to relax.

Honestly speaking though, I was excited to try Gratitude. And upon first use it was lovely… but then it wasn’t. Maybe we just needed to clean the diffuser out thoroughly, but neither of us was a big fan.

I’ve only recently starting getting more and more into Saje products after bae got his diffuser.

It’s understandable that for first timers, the store can be a little overwhelming with scents, but have an idea of what you’re looking for or what aspect of your body needs attention. That will help narrow down your search.

Plus, it’s all about testing your nose.
Trust me.

There are so many names and combinations of scents, but your nose will tell you what you need.

So if you’re looking for something to help calm your stress, but in all honesty you think it absolutely stinks… then it’s not for you! Because if you’re looking to keep calm, but you’re spraying mist or rolling oil on yourself that you think smells completely atrocious, then it will have the opposite effect.

What are some of your ways to destress during the Holidays?
Are you a fan of Saje products too?

Hope these tips helped!
If not… then I hope you enjoyed looking at the goodies that I got!

xo
Stephanie

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December 16, 2018
HAUL IT Feat. Kylie Cosmetics

Okay guys. Love them. Hate them. Hate to love. Love to hate. Whatever the case may be, the Kardashians know business.

They are major influencers in the fashion and beauty game.

And they are killing it.

That’s one of the reasons I got in to the show. I always love seeing how they did their hair and makeup and their clothes. And though I’m more of a Kim fan myself, my curiousness couldn’t help but wonder what the fuss was all about with Kylie Cosmetics.

And so I caved and placed an order – but of course only when there was a sale!

Top: In Love with the KoKo | Bottom: The Birthday Collection (Mini Matte)

So my complete honest opinion?

I really like them!

They are #2 for my favourite matte liquid lipsticks brand at the moment – just after Lime Crime.

The Birthday Collection (L to R): All Nighter, August Bug, Angel, One Wish, Gorg & Baby Girl

I really like the consistency. I really like the pigment. I like how it’s smooth and doesn’t cake. I like that it’s long lasting and the wear and tear is pretty good even after meals. And they even smell delicious! Plus, the packaging is super cute.

I was really excited to try the nude colours. So automatically I loved Angel and One Wish from the Birthday bundle, and Bunny from the Koko bundle. These are perfect for me for when I only rock black liner and no eyeshadow.

For colour, I fell in love with Doll from the Koko bundle. It’s a nice change from a red lip, as it’s more orange, but still gives that sense of Hollywood glam. And for days when I want my lips to pop, but don’t want to be too bold, Baby Girl is a nice substitute. It comes in both bundles, but I love the tiny size from the Birthday Collection. Fits right in my wallet when I’m out for a quick errand and don’t carry a big purse.

In Love with the Koko (L to R): Doll, Bunny, Baby Girl, Sugar Plum

I really have nothing to complain about.

EXCEPT…

It’s not exactly a Kylie issue, but more of a customs, tax and duty issue.

I carefully made an order that was just over $60 US to receive the free international shipping. I even did some quick research before placing my order to see if people had to pay anything extra. And everyone said if your order is under $100 it will be fine.

Well they lied.

Because no it was not fine. And this is where companies like Lime Crime and Colourpop spoil me.

I expected not to pay any surprise, hidden or extra duty/delivery fees when my makeup came to my door. However, I ended paying an extra $10. Which may not sound like a lot, but in the grand scheme of things, I had to pay conversion because currency was US. So a $60 US order was now basically $100CA.

And it left me a little sour.

Because I’d think that for a name and company of Kylie’s stature, this would be something I wouldn’t have to worry about. Because if Lime Crime and other companies can do it, so can Kylie Cosmetics. And at least older sister Kim has the right idea with KKW* where the fees are calculated at checkout so there are no surprises.

*Note – This refers to KKW Fragrance. I recently checked for KKW Beauty and you are subject to additional fees upon delivery.

Would I order again?

I’d love to, because I actually genuinely like the product. And the pricing for the lip bundles, with or without sale, are very decent – even after the conversion to CAD.

Though, because now I know there are fees upon delivery, I’d rather stick with Lime Crime if I’m going to online shop for new liquid lipsticks.

However, knowing me, I might cave once some of my favourite Kylie colours are done. Oh the tough decisions cosmetics brings!

Anyways, check out more pics below!

xo

Stephanie

In Love with the Koko: Regular $40 US| Sale $32 US

Top to Bottom: Doll, Baby Girl, Bunny & Sugar Plum* (*gloss)

L to R: Baby Girl, Angel & One Wish

The Birthday Collection: August Bug

The Birthday Collection Mini Matte: Regular $36 US | Sale $28.80 US

Top to Bottom: All Nighter, August Bug, Angel, One Wish, Gorg & Baby Girl

*Disclaimer – these lip bundles were received in 2017 so the Birthday Collection is currently unavailable.

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September 30, 2018
HAUL IT Pt. 3 Feat. L’Oréal

Just when I thought I was done, another beauty sale falls into my lap.

It was a never-ending cycle that week. And having already spent what I normally would in a year on beauty products, just in one week alone, I knew I definitely had to limit my spendings!

And I told myself, I’m allowed to spend no more than $50. Which seemed reasonable since I already had an idea of what to expect at this warehouse sale.

Then again that’s what I told myself about the Estèe Lauder sale.

So to conclude my makeup shopping spree… here’s my haul!

(Left to Right): L’Oréal, Styling Heat Spray, Vichy, Thermal Spa Water, L’Oréal, Straight Booster, Vichy, Idéal Soleil SPF 50, (Bottom) Maybelline lipsticks

I’m always looking for hair products that give me that ‘I just left the salon’ feel. I swear my hairdresser uses a magical shampoo and hair straightener, but she swears I can pull off the same look at home. So far, I can never get my hair as sleek and silky as she does, but I like testing out different products. This time I opted for a new heat protectant and a pre-conditioner smoothing treatment by L’Oréal. And at $4 each, you can’t go wrong.

The warehouse had a ton of Vichy products and I know how pricey they can get at Shoppers Drug Mart. Overwhelmed by all the night creams, I simply got sunblock and a facial mist. My sister convinced me to try the mist saying it contained minerals which was good for your skin. Later I find out that the one she tried was actually different brand, but the same idea. Did I really need a $9 water mist? No… but it’s hella refreshing and seemingly luxurious.

Lipsticks: (L) Matte, Blushing Pout, (R) Vivid Matte Liquid, Electric Pink

I was trying to steer clear of the makeup sections, but when I saw these 2 shades of pink I couldn’t resist. I love a bright fuchsia with black eyeliner and I’ve been looking for an everyday pink. Plus, I think they had a special deal for Maybelline lippies the day I went. They came in at $2 each!

Vichy, Dermablend Setting Powder

Now, one thing I’ve been meaning to add to my routine is setting powder. Originally I picked up the NYX Cosmetics Radiant Finishing Powder. It was a steal at about $5, but I found a tester and it was pure shimmer. No thanks. I’m all for a bit of sparkle and shine, but not a full face of it.
So I swapped that out for the Vichy Dermablend. This cost $10, but I prefer a matte finish since most of the bronzers and blushes I use already have a shimmer.

I spent a total of $47.46, tax included, so I came in under budget. Yay me!
However when you add up the total of all my hauls, well that’s another story. And to be honest, I haven’t done so yet because I know the final number is going to be appalling. Though, I’ve already paid off my credit card bill, so it doesn’t even matter anymore.

And I would have said that it was safe enough to say I won’t be buying makeup for the rest of the year, but there may be one more potential makeup haul to come. And this is the only makeup brand that I’ll make an exception for.

What is it? You’ll have to wait and see!
Until then,

xo
Stephanie

Click here to view pt. 1 of my NYX Haul.
Click here to view pt. 2 of my M.A.C. Haul.

April 25, 2017
HAUL IT Pt. 2 Feat. M.A.C. Cosmetics

In the past year my MAC collection basically exploded. And by exploded, I mean expanded. A very large percentage.
I went from not having purchased from them since 2010 to wanting all their foundation/base products and eye shadows. And in 2010 I last purchased some eye shadows from Santee Alley in L.A… so it was most likely way before that did I ever buy MAC.

No particular reason. I wasn’t boycotting them or anything. I do love their brand. And I like how they were founded in Toronto. It’s just their stuff is on the slightly pricey side for my taste. At the time, I didn’t want to spend $16 on a single eye shadow colour when I found other brands I was happy with (btw – their singles are now $19!). And I definitely don’t agree that MAC costs less in the States when it’s a Canadian product. C’mon people! Cater to your homeland.

It’s just one of those things where I know I’m being frugal, but I was okay with my makeup collection.

Then I got my first ticket to the Estée Lauder sale. Signed up for MAC Select. And KA-BOOM! My makeup got an upgrade.

So when I received an email that MAC was having their 25% off sale last month, I definitely wanted to take advantage of that. So I bought a bunch of stuff including, foundation, powder and shadows. Then of course, a couple of days after my purchase, I scored another ticket to the Estée Lauder sale.

*Cue racking up credit card bill*
And here is my haul!

Eye shadows: (Top) Beautiful Iris, (L) Crème de Violet, (R) Pink Venus, (Bottom) Bottle Green

(Left to Right): Studio Fix Fluid Foundation, Studio Fix Perfecting Stick, Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation

And my order came with a free sample of their newest perfumes. I picked Candy Yum-Yum.

Goodies from the Estée Lauder Sale.

MAC Objects of Affection: glitters and pigment set in Gold + Beige

(Left to Right): Lithe, English Gilt, Pretty It Up, Gold, Deep Brown

It was a BOGO free sale! 2 for $25

Eye Shadow: Moon Is Blue

I was doing really well at first at this warehouse sale since I had just bought my other MAC stuff a couple of days earlier. The only things in my shopping bag were the pigments and eye shadow. And I thought I was good to cash out since I was basically done the last room… but then my sister pointed out the GLAMGLOW table.

And once I saw those prices I knew I needed them in my life.

The cleansers retail at Sephora for $43 for the 5oz. They were selling them for $17.20! And face masks, the 1.7oz retail for $79 and they going for $31.60!

Like, hello? How could I not buy them??

Especially since I just returned a so called sample pack they were selling at Sephora for $52. Suggested retail value of $110, but when I opened the box, 4 out of 5 samples were the size of my pinky. And I have small hands.

Cleansers: (L) Daily Clearing Supercleanse, (R) Daily Hydrating Thirstycleanse. Masks: (Top) Flashmud, (Bottom) Youthmud

I wished they had other GLAMGLOW products, but this was already more than I could hope for, so I was very happy with my purchase. They only other items they had that I didn’t get were the Powercleanse and Powermud because they were oil based. Plus, I thought 4 products were enough as I haven’t used their line yet and I need to see if it’s a match for my skin. (I got 2 of the same item because seriously, how could I say no to that deal?)

And just before you leave the sale, they always give you a free gift. The day I went was a pair of MAC nail polishes – the same colour. And before you exit the warehouse, you have the option to purchase a MAC $5 or $20 gift bag. Proceeds go towards charity. In the $5 you get at least 3 full size products. Which is a steal, but at the same time always a gamble because you never know what colours you get until you open it. This time was a good one as all the colours are actually wearable. It came with one eye shadow and two lipsticks.

Eye Shadow: Hello, There. Huggable Lipcolour (L) Origami Orange, (R) Bonsai Bloom. Nail Lacquer: Screaming Bright.

So I did some damage to my wallet with the NYX, MAC and Estée Lauder sales. And I thought I was safe and in the clear, but then I got tickets to the L’Oreal sale.

It’s like they plan this. To have their sales all at the same time and they know that I can’t turn them down because my curiosity gets the best of me. Needing to know what they have on sale, just in case I miss a great bargain.

Read more on my NYX haul here. And Stay tuned for Pt. 3!

xo
Stephanie

April 11, 2017
HAUL IT Pt. 1 Feat. NYX Cosmetics

I have always been curious about NYX Cosmetics. I remember spending many hours watching beauty videos on YouTube, seeing makeup gurus swatch all the different eye shadow colours and liners from their hauls. There was something I found satisfying about watching other people show me all the stuff they bought… but then I’d get major jelly because we didn’t have such stores in Canada.

And so it wasn’t too long ago that NYX finally made it’s way to Shoppers Drug Mart and now, more recently they started opening up stores around Toronto. I could finally try all the products I had been watching others use for years!

Though when I made it to a couple of locations in the GTA, the products I wanted to try were out of stock every time I visited – I guess there were other makeup lovers just as excited as I was. So it wasn’t until I found myself in NYX at the Oshawa Centre that I was able to snag some items!

It was a bit of a hassle because I had purchased a few items, but when I got home, I received an email for their Family & Friends event they were having 2 days later. Oh the troubles of not having a data plan on my cell phone. It was 20% off the entire store! So 2 days, 4 receipts and 5 transactions later*… tah-dah!
It’s haul time!

(L): Jumbo Eye Pencil in Pacific, (R): Liquid Crystal Liner in Crystal Pewter Note: The website lists Crystal Pewter to be a purple, but I find it more of a blue tone. That’s why I paired it with Pacific.

(Bottom): Pacific, (Middle): Crystal Pewter, (Top): combined

Vivid Brights Liquid Liner

Vivid Brights in Vivid Fire

(Bottom): Eye/Eyebrow Pencil, (Top): Lip Liner

(Top): Lavender Shimmer, (Bottom): Pale Pink

(L): Color Correcting Concealer, (R): Pro Dual Brow Brush no. 18

And my purchase came with eye shadow samples!

(Top): Morocco, (Middle): Rome, (Bottom): Copenhagen

I didn’t go crazy as it was my first time using NYX products. I wanted to test their products and see if I liked them before buying more. In total I spent just over $62 for 7 items – with a savings of about $15. Not the best of sales I’ve been to, but in general their prices are very affordable so I’m lucky to have had an added discount!

I’ve used almost all the items I bought for about a week now, with the exception of the Lavender Shimmer eye liner and the Rome and Copenhagen eye shadows. The colours are very pigmented, last all day and I find to be good quality.
I’ve been on the hunt for the Color Correcting Concealer for a while, but that was one of the items that was always sold out. I’m happy I finally got my hands on one because I’ve been looking for a portable palette to throw in my makeup bag that I can use under my foundation – especially for my dark circles.

Overall I’m very satisfied with my purchase. I do enjoy the Jumbo Pencil very much and will definitely be getting more colours… when I save some money. Because if you’ve been following my Insta stories you’ll know I went to three makeup sales in one week! My poor wallet.

I’d love to know if you went to the NYX sale and what you got in the comments below! And stay tuned for Haul It pt. 2 & 3 where I review what I got from the Mac/Estée Lauder and L’Oreal sales.

xo
Stephanie

*Note: It took that many transactions because I had to return and buy back all my items a bunch of times because the totals were off since the computer wasn’t putting in the discounts for all the items I’d bought. So kudos to NYX Oshawa for being so patient!

April 5, 2017